Electric Motorcycle Maintenance Made Simple: Expert Tips for Daily Care

Electric motorcycles are getting more and more popular all over providing a slick, effective, and exciting travel method. Riders enjoy a smooth and silent ride with these motorcycles, plus they help reduce carbon footprints. Just like any ride, electric motorcycle maintenance is also required to keep them in top shape.

This blog post will explore the key daily care and routine maintenance that every electric motorcycle owner should understand. If you want to make your bike last longer and perform well for years, you're in the right spot.

Why Electric Motorcycles Need Maintenance

You might think electric motorcycles need less care than regular gas bikes. You don't have to change engine oil, worry about exhaust systems, or keep an eye on complex combustion processes.

But this doesn't mean electric motorcycles don't need any upkeep. They have their own special parts that need attention to keep them running at their best.

electric motorcycle maintenance

The electric motor, battery, controller, tires, and brakes form the core components of an electric motorcycle. To ensure proper function, inspect each part.

Lesser moving components are present compared to traditional motorcycles, but neglecting any part compromises efficiency depletes the battery swiftly, or poses safety risks.

The Basics of Electric Motorcycle Maintenance

Look after your electric motorcycle well, and you'll dodge pricey repairs down the road. Plus, you'll get to love riding it for ages. Let me break down the simple stuff you oughta do to keep your ride tip-top.

Battery Maintenance is mega important for electric motorcycles. It's what juices up your bike and figures out how far you can go. You gotta care for your battery well if you wanna stretch its lifespan and milk every trip for all it's worth.

electric motorcycle charging

1. Charging: Always charge your electric motorcycle in a dry cool spot. Try not to let your battery drop to 0% often, as this can reduce its lifespan. For the best performance, keep the battery level between 20% and 80%. Most new electric motorcycles have smart charging systems, but it's still smart to keep an eye on the battery's health.
2. Don't overcharge: If you charge too much, it's bad for your battery over time. Make sure to disconnect your bike once it's charged. A lot of electric motorcycles come with safety stuff to prevent charging too much, but you gotta watch out for it yourself too.
3. Storage: Don't plan to have a ride for some time? Best to stash it with the battery around 50% juiced up. If possible, yank the battery out and stash it somewhere that's not too hot or moist. Doing this helps the battery avoid wearing out as the days roll by.
4. Check your battery: Look at the battery often for any damage, leaks, or wear. A damaged battery could be unsafe, so a pro should fix it right away.

Motor Maintenance

Electric motors work with high efficiency and need minimal upkeep. Still, you should look after them to make sure they keep running for as long as they can.

Electric motors don't require the same oil-based care as gas engines, but they can collect dust and dirt over time. Be sure to clean the motor often particularly if you ride in grimy or dusty places. Just wiping it down with a soft cloth can help keep it working well.

Listen for Odd Sounds: Electric motors run, but weird noises can mean trouble. Grinding, squeaking, or whirring might show the motor needs a look. It's best to have a pro check it out.

Tires and Brakes

Just like regular motorcycles, electric bikes need you to check their tires often. Your tires are the only bits touching the road, so they need to be in top shape to keep you safe.

Tires

make sure your tires have enough air

Check your tire pressure often and make sure your tires have enough air. Tires without enough air can make your bike hard to control, and they can also cut down on how far you can go. Stick to what the maker says about the right tire pressure.

Brakes

Electric motorcycles often have systems that charge the battery while you ride by using the brakes. Still, the normal brakes are key to stopping your bike. Look at your brake pads often to see if they're worn down, and fill up the brake fluid if you need to. Listen for odd squeaks or if your brakes don't work as well as they should. If you notice these things, get them fixed.

Chain and Belt Maintenance

Electric motorcycles often use a chain or belt to move power from the motor to the wheels. Your motorcycle might have one of these systems. If it does, you need to take care of it to keep the power moving.

• Lubrication: Chains and belts need oil now and then to cut down on wear. Use a special lube made for motorcycles. Also, the chain must be cleaned often to get rid of dirt that could hurt it.

lubricate the motorcycle chain

• Tension: Check that the chain or belt is tight enough. A loose one can slip and lose power. A tight one can wear out the motor and parts too fast.

Electrical System

The electrical system of your bike has an influence on everything from lights to the motor, so keeping it in good shape is key. Check all electrical connections often to make sure they're snug and rust-free.

• Wires and Cables: Look at wires to see if they're worn, damaged, or frayed. If you spot any bare wires, fix them right away to stop electrical problems.

check motorcycle wires

• Lights: Keep tabs on your bike's lights such as headlamps, taillights, and turn signals. You might not notice a dead bulb, but it's vital for your safety. Check that all lights work as they should.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Your electric motorcycle needs more than just daily or weekly checks. You should change how you take care of it based on the season and weather.

Winter Care

Cold winters call for extra attention when you store your bike during downtime. The battery can get damaged in very cold weather so keep it in a warm dry spot. If you have to leave your bike outside, take out the battery and bring it indoors.

Summer Care

Hot weather can cause overheating if you ride a lot in stop-and-go traffic. Keep an eye on your bike's motor and battery to make sure they stay cool. Watch out for signs of overheating like less power or weird sounds.

Conclusion

Remember, these electric motorcycles might not need as much taking care of as gas ones, but you gotta check 'em to ensure they're all good to go.

Looking after the battery, and the motor, and giving a once-over to stuff like brakes, wheels, and all the electric bits is key to making your motorcycle running well. Take good care of it, and you'll get way more joy out of your rides.

Rodney L Herron

Rodney L is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. Rodney is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Whether it’s something wrong with your motorcycle or you are building a custom bike, you can trust Rodney’s experience.